OK so now you're familiar with the operation of the MPC2000 and can find you're way round it to some extent lets have a go at sampling some new sounds. On the MPC sound sampling is done in 16-bit linear format at the full 44.1kHz sampling rate. As with all samplers sounds will be lost when the power is removed so this means you must load in (or sample) any sounds when the MPC is turned on and save any sounds before it is turned off, I will describe how to save later on. So for now make sure you've got enough credits on that electricity meter, there's nothing worse than losing a sessions work!.

To display the sample screen press SAMPLE (of 4 on the numeric pad) whilst holding SHIFT:-

Input:-

You can choose from the following two sound sources.

ANALOG:-

The recording source enters the rear panel analogue RECORD IN jacks.

DIGITAL:-

The recording source enters the DIGITAL input on the rear panel. This input can be connected to any 44.1kHz digital SP/ DIF source such as a C.D. player or DAT machine. It will only let you choose digital if you have the optional IB-M208P fitted.

Mode:-

Set the mode to STEREO or MONO input.

MONO L:-

Sampling is done in mono using only the left RECORD IN (or the LEFT signal of the DIGITAL IN). The mono signal is monitored at both the left and right sides of the stereo outputs but the level meter will just show left.

MONO R:-

As above in reverse.

STEREO:-

Sampling is done in stereo using both the LEFT and RIGHT RECORD IN (or the LEFT and RIGHT signals of the DIGITAL IN).

Monitor:-

This field has two options: ON and OFF. If ON the signal from the sampling input is heard in the stereo mix outputs. If OFF it is not, this is good for when say you are sampling from a microphone and you don't want feedback.

Threshold:-

This sets the recording threshold at the beginning of the sampling. When RECORD is pressed the sampling starts when the entering signal exceeds the value set here. The threshold indicator is displayed by two outlined boxes on the level meter strip. This is really handy when trying to sample those old jazz loops from that crackly piece of vinyl.

Time:-

This field is used to specify the sample time in seconds/ 0.1 seconds. Any number can be entered here up to the maximum available sampling time, 2meg standard = 21.9 seconds mono or half that in stereo, 32meg maximum expansion = 356.4 seconds or half that in stereo. Its important to remember that if you are saving to floppy the maximum length of a sound file must not exceed 16.4 seconds (half that stereo) as the MPC will not save single sound files across two or more floppies.

Pre-rec:-

When sampling it is possible to record sounds before the level threshold is exceeded. It is set in milliseconds. The default time here is 1 millisecond which is adequate for sharp attack sounds like drums.

LEVEL METER:-

Whilst this screen is displayed the meter will constantly display the level of the signal input. When you are recording set the level to the maximum within the range where the meter does not entirely hit he limit. Set the level using the REC GAIN knob.

By pressing RESET PEAK the peak displayed on the LEVEL METER will be reset.

By pressing RECORD the MPC will be on standby to record., when a signal exceeding the threshold is entered it will begin to record.

To cancel sampling press CANCEL.

To manually start sampling before the value exceeds the threshold press START.

The sampling will end when the time limit expires or when you press stop, the following window will appear when the sampling is finished:-

To listen to the sampled sound press PLAY.

To discard press RETRY.

To keep press KEEP.

First you must set the following fields before saving a sampled sound:-

Name for new sound- I know you cant be bothered but its better in the long run.

Assign to note- If you know what pad you want it on then assign it here, if not set to off the sound will then be held in memory with no pad assign.

By pressing OPEN WINDOW key in the SAMPLE screen you can see the available sampling time of the total memory capacity.